Recently I received a request for the funniest commission ever:  

"For our business card we would like an illustration showing a few steps on how to wash a finger puppet."

What could I say? What fun! The client was a wonderfully enthusiastic performing arts student at university, just starting a new theatre company with her friend. The two had already been booked at a small festival, and although I hadn't a clue as to what finger puppets have to do with their act (if anything!) I loved the quirky challenge of this. 

They wanted to make square business cards, so I thought four steps the optimum to fit the tiny space, show enough information, and be clear.  Despite the size restriction, I drafted a rough sketch with two puppets rather than one, to help the key image stand out better; they were very happy with this as they're a duo. (I hadn't even thought of that aspect!) I decided to simplify things to show only one hand in each step since both hands, as naturally used in real life, would feel cluttered and make it harder to see what's going on. 

So, what kind of theatre company wants finger puppet washing instructions on the back of their cards? As they told me, they'd had quite a few puzzled faces when trying to describe the concept, and were truly grateful that I'd got it and didn't think they were crazy.

They are a comedy duo called Yangalang, using "absurd humour and physical theatre" and aiming to engage and challenge audiences. I haven't had a chance to see their shows yet but that sounds good to me!  And I wish them the very best of luck as they're off to the Edinburgh fringe next month. 

In early May, while attending one of Gosh Comics' wonderfully entertaining and enlightening evenings, I heard they were planning a zine to give away at London Pride and were inviting submissions on any sort of LGBT theme. I had no ideas at the time and nearly dismissed the thought as impossible and too short a deadline, but suddenly this came to mind and I managed to draw it up over a couple of late nights, just in time. 


I was thrilled to get their email saying they really liked it and would print it. To be honest, I don't know how many submissions they had to choose amongst, but I'd like to think it was more than the pages available! In any case, it was a delight to be able to make a small contribution to the occasion.  


And I proved to myself that I can, occasionally, produce work quickly if I just get down and do it.  

Now to get on with the three or four half-drafted comics on the go in various notebooks....  Watch this space.